Brad Pelzel ordained to priesthood
By RENEE WEBB
Globe associate editor
Posted August 15, 2002

A celebration of the Eucharist and the Rite of Ordination to the Presbyteral Order of Bradley Charles Pelzel was held at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City on Aug. 10, the Feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr.

Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo was the ordaining prelate. This was the bishop's second priestly ordination. Bishop Lawrence D. Soens concelebrated as did about 65 priests of the diocese and visiting priests, some of whom are classmates of Father Pelzel at the North American College in Rome. Msgr. Kevin McCoy, a priest of the Diocese of Sioux City who serves as the rector of the North American College, also attended the ordination. Deacons of the Mass were Jim Sands and Nick Becker, a transitional deacon who will be ordained to the priesthood next month.

For the Pelzel family it was a joy-filled and yet somewhat tearful day as the ceremony got off to a half-hour late start due to the illness of Father Pelzel's mother. Waiting for the arrival of Nancy Pelzel, the transitional deacon announced that his mother, who has terminal cancer, was hospitalized the night before. Nancy was able to join her husband Charles for the service.

"My friends, today we gather to celebrate the ordination into the presbyteral order of our friend and brother, Bradley Pelzel," said the bishop in opening comments. "He will fulfill his Christian vocation in a ministry of priestly service in this diocese. The Lord calls us all to serve, and strengthens us for ministry."

Pelzel, who sat with his family through the Liturgy of the Word, was called forward after the Gospel (John 12:24-26) was proclaimed. During the Scripture readings, he held the hand of his mother who sat next to him in a wheelchair.

Father Brian Hughes, vocation director of the diocese, was the presenter. He said, "After inquiry among the people of Christ and upon recommendation of those concerned with his training, I testify that he has been found worthy."

The bishop led the congregation in applause for the priest candidate and then delivered the homily.

He welcomed special guests and extended a greeting to the Pelzel family, saying he was particularly grateful that Brad's mother could be there. The congregation applauded.

Ordained on the feast of St. Lawrence, the bishop mentioned that the saint is said to have quite a sense of humor as it is believed the martyr said "turn me over I'm done on this side" as he was burned to death while defending the church.

He told Pelzel to follow the wonderful example of Deacon Lawrence who never wavered - "whenever you are called upon to act, to show, to manifest, to point out the treasures of church."

The bishop asked the priest candidate to stay faithful to the Holy Father and his teachings.

Bishop DiNardo told Brad that by baptism he has born much fruit and that the minute he was pulled from the baptismal font he had a mission.

He gave him some practical ministry tips. The bishop said that he hoped anyone who approached him for the Sacrament of Reconciliation would see how he personally valued it.

The bishop offered some direction. During the liturgy of the Eucharist, from the words "lift up your heart" to the great "amen" the bishop said, "you are acting in the name of the church and recite the words of Christ. You are to speak what the church speaks in the words that the church gives you."

He pointed out that he liked the fact that Pelzel had mentioned he was entering the priesthood to be available to the Lord and for God's church.

"You are not entering the priesthood at an ideal time," Bishop DiNardo acknowledged. He asked the people to pray for Brad and the church.

The Rite of Ordination continued after the homily with the examination of the candidate, promise of obedience, invitation to prayer, the Litany of Saints and laying on of hands.

In the prayer of consecration, Bishop DiNardo prayed, "May he be faithful in working with the order of bishops, so that the words of the Gospel may reach the ends of the earth, and the family of nations, made one in Christ, may become God's one, holy people."

Father Pelzel was invested with the stole and chasuble, his hands were anointed and he received the kiss of peace. The Liturgy of the Eucharist proceeded.

Following the ceremony, three of Father Pelzel's eight siblings offered comments.

Amy Ogram, his sister from Minnesota, described the ordination ceremony as beautiful.

"We are very proud of him. He's so happy that we can't be anything but pleased for him," she said. "The diocese has been wonderful and so supportive."

Greg Pelzel found the ceremony to be very nice. Having never been to an ordination, he didn't realize how many priests would be on hand for the service.

Mentioning that the priesthood was a second vocation for his brother, Greg believes that this is a good choice for Brad as he loves working with people.

"He's had a lot of time to think about. His decision was well thought out," said Greg.

Erika Pelzel said she was impressed that the service was so dynamic. She was also impressed by the bishop and felt he kept people involved in the whole ceremony.

"The fact that he talked directly to my mother really meant a lot," she said. "I'm really happy for Brad because it had been a long struggle to finally decide that this is what he wanted to do. He's more at peace than I've ever seen him in his life."

Father Pelzel will return to Rome this fall for additional studies as he works toward his licensiate degree. Next summer he will be back in Iowa to receive his first assignment in the Diocese of Sioux City.